- Relationship Problems: marriage, partnership, separation & divorce, or sexual difficulties.
- Bereavement & Loss: loved ones, family, friends, pets.
- Career & Workplace Problems: bullying, redundancy, work life balance.
- Stress: life changes, lack of direction, confusion.
- Anxiety: panic attacks, fears, phobias.
- Confidence Issues: lack of confidence, low self esteem.
- Sexuality: gay/lesbian, bi-sexuality, gender identity.
- Body Image: understanding or accepting body changes or differences.
- Addiction: including repetitive habits, eating disorders, sex, alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography.
Frequently Asked Questions about Counselling
In this section Robert Heaven has provided answers to many 'frequently asked questions.' Please contact us for any further information you would like to help you make the right choice for your therapy or counselling.
As each case is very individual please feel free to call us for a confidential discussion or email riverclinic@mac.com
What does being an “Accredited Counsellor” actually mean?
Accredited
counsellors are those who have undertaken an approved training; usually a post graduate Diploma in Counselling; have already completed several years' work
with clients, and whose practice has been rigorously assessed by
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or UK
Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) as having reached a proficient level.
Accredited
Counsellors must undergo at least 30 hours of Continual Professional
Development each year to maintain their accreditation which remains the
benchmark of the competent, ethical practitioner. For more information on the criteria necessary for BACP Accreditation status, visit the British Association fo Counselling and Psychotherapy at www.bacp.co.uk
Will everything I say be treated as completely confidential?
Accredited
Counsellors are bound by a strict Code of Ethics and will not reveal
anything you say to anyone else without your specific consent. All
Accredited Counsellors are supervised (as are their Supervisors) but the
discussion that takes place is about Cases, not identifying the person
involved.
The only time we would even consider that
confidentiality has to be breached is if we thought there was a real
danger of you committing serious harm to yourself or another -
especially, though not exclusively, where children might be at risk.
Are Counsellors insured?
All
accredited counsellors and Psychotherapists must have approved levels
of Professional Liability Insurance. This is also a requirement of
their accredited membership of the BACP.
What does a Psychotherapist do?
A
Psychotherapist works with people who have emotional, behavioural,
psychological or mental difficulties. The work is mainly to encourage
the client to talk and explore their feelings, beliefs and thoughts,
and often, their childhood.
It is a process which seeks to
help the person gain an increased capacity for choice, through which
the individual becomes more autonomous and self determined. As a result
the work is often long term, sometimes more than once a week.
Psychotherapeutic approaches may be based on scientific, humanist, psychoanalytical or philosophical.
What does a Counsellor do?
A
counsellor works in much the same way as a psychotherapist, in terms of
encouraging the client to talk and explore their feelings, beliefs and
thoughts with the hope that in doing so, the client will gain an
increased capacity for choice.
Counsellors will generally
work with the client on specific issues or problems such as a
relationship difficulty, or an anxiety about a work problem, such as
being made redundant or being bullied at work. Often the work is short
term and solution focused.
What does a Psychologist do?
A
Psychologist is a general term for someone who has studied Psychology,
usually to degree level. A Clinical Psychologist will have done
further training to be able to administer Psychological Tests e.g.
personality tests or intelligence tests.
Clinical
Psychologists diagnose and treat disorders. Psychologists are
scientists and base their diagnoses and treatments on statistical
evidence. There are also specialists such as Forensic Psychologists and
Educational Psychologists.
What does a Psychiatrist do?
A
Psychiatrist works within a medical framework and will have trained as
a Doctor first before specialising. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat
disorders. Only Psychiatrists and Doctors can prescribe medication.
How do I choose the right sort of help?
There
are many types of what are generally know as “talking therapies” from
which to choose. In some ways it doesn’t really matter which one you
choose, as long as it’s you that makes the choice about the way in
which you feel you would like to work.
Unless you have strong
feelings about a particular model, one view is that the theoretical
approach is less important than the quality of the Counsellor. By far
the best way to decide this is to trust your instincts.
Ask
yourself “ would you be able to tell this person intimate details about
yourself and your life? Do you feel safe talking to the person, and do
you feel you could be completely open? If the answers are “yes” then
the counsellor is probably right for you.
How many sessions do I need?
There
is no rule about how many sessions a person needs and each case is
different. But generally, counsellors and therapists will usually
review things with you after six sessions.
What has been achieved can be discussed at this point and a decision re more sessions or a break will be agreed.
There is no rule!
What does it cost?
Counsellors
can offer a range of charges although many will have a fixed session
price. Charges should always be discussed at the outset of Counseling
(usually before the sessions have actually begun when first contact is
made).
At The River Clinic appointment charges are negotiated to suit individual circumstances.
What if I can't make an appointment?
It depends on the Counsellor, but this will be agreed at the first session when Terms and Charges should be clearly discussed.
Typically
any cancellation with more than 24 hours notice would mean a charge is
not applicable if another appointment can fill the place.
If you have any more questions, or would like any further details please call us or email riverclinic@mac.com Every effort is made to ensure we respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.
Also please look at our Useful Links page for further information about Counselling and other services.